Crohn’s Disease and Life Insurance: What You Need to Know

According to Crohn’s and Colitis Canada, about 1 in 140 people live with Crohn’s or ulcerative colitis. That’s more than 300,000 Canadians, and this number is rising year on year.

If you have been recently diagnosed with Crohn’s or know someone who has, you are likely wondering, will this impact life insurance?

In a word, yes. 

However, having Crohn’s doesn’t mean you can’t get life insurance. 

While insurance companies may see it as a health risk, plenty of insurance providers will still grant life insurance to those diagnosed with Crohn’s, be it at higher premiums. 

Here’s everything you need to know about Crohn’s and life insurance.

Understanding Crohn’s Disease

Crohn’s disease falls under the same category as ulcerative colitis and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Essentially, it is a chronic illness that affects your digestive tract, that runs from your mouth to your anus. 

Symptoms can include abdominal pain, diarrhea, fatigue, weight loss, and even complications that require surgery. 

Crohn’s disease is also often unpredictable. Some may only experience mild symptoms, while others can experience severe flare-ups that require hospitalization.

In many instances, through proper treatment and care, those diagnosed with Crohn’s disease can live a normal, healthy life.

How Crohn’s Affects Life Insurance Eligibility?

As Crohn’s is a lifelong disease that has no cure to date, insurance companies will often require detailed accounts of your medical history. 

If your symptoms are well-managed and you’ve gone long periods without major flare-ups, your chances of getting approved at standard rates or slightly higher premiums is actually quite high. 

However, if you were diagnosed at a young age, have required frequent hospitalizations, or depend on strong medications for symptom management, insurers might deny coverage or offer it at ridiculously high premiums. 

So, while those with mild to moderate conditions are eligible for life insurance, those with severe cases may be denied coverage, especially if they recently underwent surgery.

Lifestyle habits can also play a role when it comes to eligibility and premiums. If you smoke, have other medical conditions, or struggle with obesity, you could be denied coverage altogether.

The Insurance Underwriting Process for Crohn’s Patients

If you have Crohn’s, expect your life insurance application to go through medical underwriting. 

Underwriting is a complicated mathematical process that actuaries use to assess risk and decide on coverage and rates. 

For Crohn’s patients, the underwriting process can often be even more complicated than usual. Patients may need to fill out detailed questionnaires about their medical history, provide doctor’s records, undergo medical exams, and even provide lab work to assess overall health.

Depending on how stable your condition is, you could qualify for a standard policy with regular rates (best case scenario), a policy with higher premiums, or a no-medical exam policy that skips health tests but costs more. 

It is important to remember that every insurer evaluates risk differently, so shopping around is often the key to finding the right policy. 

The Challenges of Getting Life Insurance with Crohn’s

Let’s be honest. Securing life insurance whilst being diagnosed with Crohn’s isn’t easy. 

Many Canadians often run into roadblocks like higher premiums, exclusions for Crohn’s-related complications, or even outright denials. 

It can feel frustrating and unfair, especially when you’re doing everything possible to manage your health and protect your loved ones. 

Don’t get discouraged! 

While challenging, it is still possible to get life insurance with pre-existing medical conditions. 

The key is to find a provider or insurance broker who understands Crohn’s and works with you to find a fair policy that suits your budget and needs.

Insurance Options for those Diagnosed with Crohn’s

1. Traditional Life Insurance – If your Crohn’s is well-controlled, you could qualify for standard coverage with competitive rates.
2. No-Medical Exam Insurance – Ideal for those who want to skip medical tests but expect to pay higher premiums.
3. Guaranteed Issue Insurance – This option doesn’t require health questions or medical exams but comes with higher costs and lower payouts.
4. Critical Illness Insurance – This type of coverage pays a lump sum if your Crohn’s leads to severe complications.

The Power of Insurance Riders

Crohn’s is an unpredictable disease. You may have mild to no symptoms for months or even years, only to have a severe flare-up that could result in hospitalization and even surgery. 

Thus, if you are considering life insurance at a time where your symptoms are well-managed, find a policy with the following insurance riders. 

• Waiver of Premium Rider – If you become unable to work due to your illness, this keeps your policy active without payments.
• Accelerated Death Benefit Rider – This allows you to access part of your life insurance payout if you develop a terminal condition.

How to Get the Best Coverage?

Finding the right insurance when you have Crohn’s requires a bit of strategy. 

Here are some ways to improve your chances of getting approved at a reasonable rate:

• Work with an Insurance Broker – A broker can compare different insurers to find the best policy for you.
• Maintain Good Health – Managing stress, eating well, and exercising can sometimes lead to better premiums.
• Be Honest About Your Health – Hiding details about your Crohn’s can lead to denied claims later.
• Compare Policies – Every insurer evaluates Crohn’s differently, so don’t settle for the first offer.

It is important to note that most Canadian life insurance companies, such as Manulife, Canada Life, SSQ Life Insurance, Assumption Life, Empire Life, and more, offer life insurance for those diagnosed with Crohn’s disease. Canadian Pension Plan or Assumption Life also offer no medical life insurance policies for Crohn’s patients.

You just need to shop around to find the best deal!

FAQs About Life Insurance and Crohn’s Disease

Q1) What is the best life insurance policy for someone with Crohn’s?

It depends on your health and budget. If your Crohn’s is mild, you might qualify for a standard policy. If it’s more severe, a no-medical or guaranteed issue policy might be a better fit.

Q2) How does Crohn’s disease affect life insurance premiums?

Premiums are based on risk. If your symptoms are well-managed, you’ll likely pay less. However, if you experience frequent flare-ups, have had surgery, or require hospitalization, premiums can be much higher.

Q3) What should I disclose about my Crohn’s disease when applying for life insurance?

Everything! This includes when you were diagnosed, your symptoms, medications, and any hospitalizations. Being honest helps avoid issues later.

Q4) Can I be denied life insurance based on my Crohn’s disease?

Yes, but it depends on the insurer. Some companies decline severe cases, while others offer alternative policies. An insurance broker can help you find the right fit.

Q5) Are there any specific riders that are beneficial for Crohn’s patients?

Waiver of premium and accelerated death benefit riders can be helpful additions to your policy as they provide financial security if your condition worsens.

Trusted Life Insurance Broker Near Me! 

Being diagnosed with Crohn’s can be stressful and unnerving, especially if you have dependents. 

But it doesn’t have to be. 

With the right information, guidance, and persistence, you can find a policy that protects your loved one’s financial future.

At McIver Insurance Inc., we’re here to help Nova Scotians living with Crohn’s find the right life insurance coverage. 

Contact us today to get the protection you deserve!